Is it Easy to Drive a Car in Italy?
It wasn’t my Fault!!
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There are many convenient means of traveling throughout Italy – bus, taxi, chauffeured limo, train – but the most convenient, at least for us, is a rental car (and never fear, you are on the same side of the road as you are in the US). And remember, it is easy to drive a car in Italy!
Several areas in Italy are more conducive to car travel than others. I would never, my wife would absolutely not let me, drive in Rome. The drivers are crazy! Many other cars, taxis, motorcycles, Vespas all traveling in many directions and FAST! It seems there are no rules, all criss-crossing, even not stopping at lights and signs.
Maybe I am being a bit extreme, but it is a blur as you are riding in a cab going from your hotel to St. Peters Basilica.
The other stretch of highway I would personally not travel by car is the Amalfi coast. We have been over this section of road a couple of times, once by bus and the other by a concierge driver. The roads are narrow with very sharp curves and there are a ton of cars, busses, and trucks trying to maneuver through the winding roads. Driver beware.
In addition to the curves, you will not find many places to park. The Amalfi coast is amazing to visit, but whatever means you choose to get there to see the sights I would not recommend driving.
One time we were with friends off of a cruise ship and they took an excursion by boat to the Amalfi coast and stopped in
several ports and saw much more of the area than we did. If you are not on a cruise excursion then I am sure there are many water tours for you to take to see this amazing area.
The Best Section of Italy to Travel by Car
The section of Italy you MUST travel by car is the Tuscany area. It is impossible to see and appreciate this area just south of Florence by any other means of travel. So many small hill towns, so many beautiful landscapes, so many vineyards that you, on the spur of the moment, may say, ‘Let’s stop there!’
The Tuscany area is a traveler’s heaven. The towns of Pienza, Monticchiello, Siena, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, and Montalcino are easy to get to, parking areas are convenient in most cases.
Now, driving in Tuscany is not different from the countryside of the US. The roads are a bit narrow but easy to navigate. You will possibly meet a large truck, but just slow down and be on your side of the road.
You will also meet many cyclists on the road coming and going. Again, slow down and use caution as you pass them. This is just a part of the joy of driving in this area.
The rolling hills of Tuscany are something to see! You will want to stop and take many pictures, and this is usually easy to do. Just be careful and stay within the speed limits.
Speaking of speed limits. On our first trip to Italy we returned home dreamy-eyed until some 2 months later I received a mailing from the ‘Traffics Office of Italy’ indicating they caught me speeding on their stationary radar camera between Pisa and Florence on the autostrada. I checked my options and knowing that we would be making additional visits to Italy I paid the fine when it was stated to me that Italian rental car dealers would not rent a car due to the ‘lien’ on my Italian driving record.
What do I need if Traveling by car in Italy.
Should you get a ‘navigation system’ for the car? YES, absolutely! Our first trip to Italy we were in Venice and needed a car to get to Florence and then to our condo. We took off from the Venice Airport rental location and realized we could not get out of town! Even following maps.
We returned to the airport and added the navigation system to our contract at around $8.00 / day (at that time). Well worth the added cost. However you need to be aware of what it is telling you to do.
Another story: We were on our way to Pienza, one of our very favorite towns by far, and the navigation system – we named her ‘Kate’ since she had a British accent – told us to ‘turn left shortly’. So we went ‘shortly’, took a left and we were in some field on a dirt road at the base of Pienza. Not thinking, but wondering if this was a ‘short cut’ we kept going even after seeing a large rabbit on its honchos looking at us before he took off.
We should have turned around but we kept going and soon found ourselves heading down this steep hill. We arrived at the bottom where there was a large stream running across the road. We turned around, crossed our fingers, and said a prayer hoping our car would make it up the road with pot holes everywhere. I kept it floored dodging the worst of the holes and we soon found ourselves on the ‘road to Pienza’ again.
Moral of the story: When your GPS says to go down a dirt road, reconsider.
We always rent from either Hertz or Budget. We make the reservation online some months before our trip. This is easy and we have never had a problem.
We get a ‘manual’ transmission and I truly enjoy getting behind the wheel with the gear shift at my right hand. You can get an automatic but it costs a bit more. If you do not feel comfortable with a manual transmission you MUST get the automatic.
Be sure to get the Collision Damage Waiver – most of the times included with the daily price – and possibly ‘theft and window damage’. And never leave your luggage in the car as you go out sightseeing before getting to your lodging and dropping your luggage off.
Enjoy your Driving Experience in Italy
The sheer thrill of the freedom of a car enhances your adventure. Be smart, listen to ‘Kate’, watch the signs and enjoy.
Signs to be aware of: ‘one way’ – YES, got another ticket after the trip in Pisa going on a one-way road (seems like there are cameras everywhere just watching me).
Also, know this sign: ZTL, ‘zona traffics limitato, or ‘limited traffic zones’. (the one in the picture is a similar sign in Barcelona). You are not permitted in these areas without a permit. However, if you are in Florence realize there is a large portion of the downtown zoned ZTL. If your hotel is within this area just let the hotel know and they will assist with this inconvenience and with parking.
Should I drive in Italy?
ABSOLUTELY! Be mindful of their traffic regulations, get an international drivers license before leaving home along with your US license, take a deep breath and be sure to listen to ‘Kate’.
Our trips to Italy have been exciting to say the least mostly because of our car.
Be sure to check out our Post titled: How to Prepare for a Trip to Europe for more driving tips and great info for your next trip.
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